‘Saiyaara’ star Aneet Padda to lead romantic drama directed by Maneesh Sharma - Report

After winning hearts with 'Saiyaara', Aneet Padda is all set for her next big move. The young actress will star in a romantic drama directed by Maneesh Sharma and set in scenic Punjab. As per reports, filming is expected to start in mid-2026. This project promises to solidify Padda’s place as Bollywood’s Gen-Z sweetheart and the new face of youth romance.

Read on to learn more about this development.

Aditya Chopra supports Aneet Padda as romantic lead

According to a report by Mid Day, filmmaker Aditya Chopra is closely watching the careers of emerging talents. The report mentions, “The popularity of 'Saiyaara' catapulted Aneet to the role of romantic hero for Gen-Z. She seemed like the ideal heroine for Maneesh's love story, according to Aditya.” This goes on to underline the confidence the production house has in Padda as a fresh face for romance in Bollywood.

Maneesh Sharma returns to directing romantic films

Sharma is returning to the romantic genre that made him famous. Known for hits like 'Band Baaja Baaraat' (2010) and 'Shuddh Desi Romance' (2013), he later took on big-scale projects such as 'Fan' (2016) and 'Tiger 3' (2023). This untitled film is expected to capture his signature style of storytelling about youth and love.

Film set in Punjab with youth-focused story

The new project will be set in Punjab, staying true to Sharma’s focus on youth-driven stories. While the male lead is yet to be finalised, pre-production is already underway. Filming is expected to begin in mid-2026, and fans can look forward to announcements about casting and other details soon.

Aneet Padda seen as rising Gen-Z star

Aneet Padda and her 'Saiyaara' co-star Ahaan Panday have cemented their place as the breakout stars of 2025. Their debut film made them overnight sensations, and studios are eager to tap into their youthful charm. Even though Panday hasn’t announced his next move, Padda seems well positioned to continue her success.

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